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Help me find the weak point in my system

Alexcited

Alexcited

Member
So, newbie to both this forum and audio equipment in general. I acquired most of my stuff 2nd hand, either free or dirt cheap..and it's time to upgrade. But I don't want to waste my money so I figured I'd ask you guys and see what you think. It's used entirely for vinyl and almost exclusively rock music
This is my setup
Technics sl-bd22 TT with a grado black cart
Sony ss-u610
Powered by a jvc ax-r441. I know the speakers are certainly a weak point but I'm not sure what to replace them with. I know this is all vague but if you were me and you wanted to get a warmer, fuller sound what would you do? I'd prefer to go used but I'm open to the idea of going new
 
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If it were me a would replace the amplifier to get a warmer fuller sound. Maybe with a Marantz or something with tubes. On the cheap maybe a small Marantz is the better option.
 
hmm, that JVC isn't that bad, I can't comment on the speakers but I'm not a sony fan at all, maybe better speakers? Suggestion, not an opinion

Speakers are the most important part of the audio chain, if you don't think they're all that try some different ones... Easy to pick up speakers at goodwill.
 
Thanks, forgot to mention the jvc currently only powers one set of speakers. Nothing comes out if I try to hook up the other inputs There is a store near me that sells old receivers, they had a marantz 2215 for around 100. Hk 330a as well. Technics sa-200 for around 50. Some speakers as well but nothing below 80 bucks really. The only thing I remember off hand was a couple sets of infinity references
 
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We're mostly about vintage here but....don't overlook more modern speaks. (There is a sea of quality out there in the used market....affordable.)
 
I would change out the speakers first. I dont think they are all so special. The amp could very well be fine but through meh speakers you would never know.
Dynaco A25 is the direction I feel you are headed towards.
 
That h/k 330a is a fine receiver. You might want to grab that & then keep your eyes open for used speakers. With patience you can find something quite serviceable for 50 bucks - or even less. Patience is the key...

Glad to be part of sending you in 6 different directions with our advice.:thmbsp:
 
Naptown Rob said:
That h/k 330a is a fine receiver. You might want to grab that & then keep your eyes open for used speakers. With patience you can find something quite serviceable for 50 bucks - or even less. Patience is the key...

Glad to be part of sending you in 6 different directions with our advice.:thmbsp:
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i'm a huge fan of the 330 series. I think they're beautiful. But today I picked up a free rotel, seems pretty cheap and basic but its not bad.
 
The item that has the single bigest impact on sound quality is the speakers and their placement in the room. EVERYTHING else runs a distant 3rd no matter what it is (assuming it is not defective, like an amp with a blown output transistor).

Try playing with the placement of the speakers before you spend you cash. I get the impression that the cost is a big issue for you so do the "free" stuff before you spend the bucks. Speaker position can have a big impact on sound quality. Also try lifting them up a bit if they are on the floor. A few books under them might help or not but if you don't try you won't know.

Shelly_D
 
shelly_d said:
The item that has the single bigest impact on sound quality is the speakers and their placement in the room. EVERYTHING else runs a distant 3rd no matter what it is (assuming it is not defective, like an amp with a blown output transistor).

Try playing with the placement of the speakers before you spend you cash. I get the impression that the cost is a big issue for you so do the "free" stuff before you spend the bucks. Speaker position can have a big impact on sound quality. Also try lifting them up a bit if they are on the floor. A few books under them might help or not but if you don't try you won't know.

Shelly_D
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Cost is a pretty big concern for me. I've Gotta make sure I've got enough in the bank for my bills before I even think about speakers. Speaker placement is currently a struggle as the room it's in is a giant mess. Hopefully this weekend my girlfriend and I can organize and clean up
 
Be really picky and save up money in the meantime. I joined AK and posted a thread like this, with a little patience combing craigslist I managed to find a pair of Vandersteen 2c's for a reasonable price. Now I'm hooked!
 
Twanx said:
Be really picky and save up money in the meantime. I joined AK and posted a thread like this, with a little patience combing craigslist I managed to find a pair of Vandersteen 2c's for a reasonable price. Now I'm hooked!
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I'm slowly building up a cache. I picked up a rotel rx-303 for free today. I was looking into buying some advent legacy's off Craigslist but the seller never called me. Probably a sign I should hold off for a better set! Haha
 
Twanx said:
Be really picky and save up money in the meantime. I joined AK and posted a thread like this, with a little patience combing craigslist I managed to find a pair of Vandersteen 2c's for a reasonable price. Now I'm hooked!
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:thmbsp:
That's like a BMW for your first car. :banana:
 
For what it's worth, I think the old Technics receivers are great for rock and roll. Even though the SA-200 is one of their lower powered units, they tend to be pretty gutsy.

I don't know where you're located, but like others have said speakers tend to be pretty plentiful if you comb Craigslist and the thrift shops. If you see a pair of speakers you're interested in you can always post here and ask for opinions, I've always found the folks at Audiokarma to be very willing to help.
 
Roypercy said:
For what it's worth, I think the old Technics receivers are great for rock and roll. Even though the SA-200 is one of their lower powered units, they tend to be pretty gutsy.

I don't know where you're located, but like others have said speakers tend to be pretty plentiful if you comb Craigslist and the thrift shops. If you see a pair of speakers you're interested in you can always post here and ask for opinions, I've always found the folks at Audiokarma to be very willing to help.
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I'm in Massachusetts, luckily I have a pretty large flea market near by that starts up in 2-3 weeks I believe
 
assuming you do everything else right, speakers should always be the weak link in your system...
 
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